Aug
20
2009
Jen Woodhouse
Author: Justin Blaney
zoxsy.com/jenwoodhouse
jenwoodhouse.com
myspace.com/jenwoodhouse
An interview with Jen
Q. What was the first tune(s) you learned?
A. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan. When I was a little girl, my dad would play that song to me on his old classical guitar, at bedtime.
As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people… and why do you think that is? I listen to whatever I can get my hands on. I think being a well-read writer makes you a better one… the same goes for music. I go out to see shows, mostly local indie artists, like myself; to be able to hear what other people have to say, and how they say it, in ways that are different from my own songwriting can be really inspiring.
Q. What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?
A. That every song I write will be my last. I have that constant fear – that I’ll have nothing more to say. I still believe there’s a lot more music inside me, but that fear is always lingering in the back of my mind.
Q. What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?
A. As an indie artist, we are empowered; we have the resources now, more than ever, to get our music heard all over the world. The fact that one of my songs can travel anywhere, be heard by a person on the other side of the world is pretty exciting.
Q. When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?
A. I’ve been working on a few this week, actually. Writing doesn’t come easily to me, I have to discipline myself and really seek it out. Once I start, it’s easy to keep rolling from there, but it’s the getting started that’s difficult. So I’m challenging myself to write at least one song everyday this month… so far, I’m keeping up my end of the bargain and it’s really exciting and rewarding.
Q. In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?
A. I’ve been really lucky to have lived in A LOT of different places, all over the world and I think that’s really helped me as a songwriter. Being able to draw on so many different experiences just expands your viewpoint as a writer.
Q. What are you up to right now, music-wise?
A. I’m working on my third album and will be going on a national tour in the fall. I’ve also partnered with a cool little company called Kickstarter, a fundraising platform… I’ll be launching my project in the coming weeks… so stay tuned!
About Jen
While other little girls dreamt of being princess brides, mermaids, or fairies, Jen Woodhouse performed in her parents’ living room in front of a captivated audience made up of her two younger sisters, various stuffed animals, and Barbie dolls. Whether she was performing in ballet and piano recitals, or just hula dancing for the neighbors, it was apparent at a very early age that Jen was a born entertainer. Since her sold out living room concerts, Jen continues to mesmerize audiences across the globe.
These days, Woodhouse has been keeping busy. A recent Nashville transplant, Woodhouse has been ceaselessly touring and promoting her highly anticipated album, “The Shaping & Shifting of Objects & Sound.” Quickly garnering tremendous word-of-mouth support, Woodhouse’s sophomore album follows on the heels of her critically acclaimed 2005 debut, “This Honest Age.”
A collection of cleverly spun tales of realism that relate to the many sides of the persona, “The Shaping & Shifting of Objects & Sound” has many highlights, including the hooky, energetic pop gem, “Rearview,” the moody, ethereal piano-driven, “Gravity,” and the territorial, rollicking, tongue-in-cheek “Vicious.” “Impossible”, one of the album’s standout tracks, combines tripped-out guitars with a quirky Imogen Heap-tinged keyboard groove. Live instruments (piano, drums and bass) mingle with electronic elements while Woodhouse’s voice is powerful yet heart-wrenchingly sincere.
Woodhouse masters the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. These intensely emotional songs bind the elements of self-sacrifice, redemption, and the constant redefining of identity.
The incalculable range found in Woodhouse’s music should be of no surprise, considering her traveling forays into different countries and cultures. Born into a military family, Woodhouse divided her childhood in Texas, the Philippines, Alabama, Germany, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Her diverse upbringing clearly influences the music she makes today.
In addition to her rigorous touring schedule, Woodhouse was invited to perform at several high-profile music festivals, including Austin’s biggest music event, South by Southwest, Toronto’s Indie Week Festival and Atlanta’s Atlantis Music Conference. She spearheaded The Green Light Tour, a month-long international tour spanning 22 cities in the US & Canada, promoting her new album and raising awareness about global warming. Teaming up with various environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club and Arbor Day Foundation, Woodhouse and two fellow singer/songwriters planted a tree in every city they stopped in, as well as raffled off ‘enviro-prizes’ to audience members.
Woodhouse continues to tour extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. She has most recently returned from a 7-month tour in Asia and is back in Nashville writing and recording material for her 3rd album. Woodhouse is endorsed by Yamaha Pianos and Ovation Guitars.
